Dave Leduc

Dave Leduc (born 13 December 1991) is a Canadian Lethwei fighter. He is the current openweight Lethwei World Champion. He is nicknamed "The Nomad" because of his travels around the world to learn martial arts. Leduc gained widespread notoriety by becoming the first Quebecer and Canadian to win in the controversial Prison Fight Thailand in Bangkok. In 2016, he became the first non-Burmese fighter to win the Lethwei world title, by defeating Tun Tun Min at the Aung Lan Championship in Yangon. The same year, he married Russian Moldovan writer and model Irina Terehova in a nationally televised wedding ceremony with an approximate 30 million viewers in Myanmar.

Born in Gatineau, Leduc starting playing baseball at a young age and played in United States as a pitcher.

At the age of seventeen, Leduc began practicing martial arts under the guidance of Sifu Patrick Marcil at Kung Fu Patenaude. He began learning Sanshou and competed in amateur fight nights. Early on, Leduc started training headbutts combinations and adding bareknuckle bag sessions into his training regimen, setting himself up for his future career in Lethwei. The application of Jeet Kune Do principles into Leduc's striking style forged in him an unpredictable and unorthodox style.

In 2011, at nineteen years old, Leduc was managing a nightclub and owned his own limousine company, but in 2016 he decided to sell up and make his permanent move to Asia.

In 2013, Leduc started fighting amateur MMA in Canada and went undefeated in three fights, winning two of them by guillotine choke. His most recent win was against Yukinori Akazawa from Tristar Gym and Georges St-Pierre's protege, which he won by decision. Leduc then accepted a fight against fellow Quebecer, and future UFC fighter Jonathan Meunier. Having never cut weight as an amateur, Leduc stated his inexperience in cutting weight made him lose consciousness in the sauna. Leduc lost the fight via TKO in the first round. He would return to the cage in November 2015 to face future Pancrase & ONE Championship fighter Koyomi Matsushima and lost via TKO into the first round.

In 2013, at the age of 21, Leduc went on his first trip to Thailand. He began his professional career by winning his first Muay Thai fight, where he defeated a South Korean opponent by TKO.

In 2016, Muay Thai & Lethwei being illegal in the province of Quebec, Leduc left everything behind and moved to Thailand. Leduc went on to win a spot on the sponsored fight team of Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, the world's biggest Muay Thai Camp.

Dave Leduc vs Thai inmate at Prison Fight Thailand in 2014

Prison Fight

On July 12, 2014, Leduc took part and won his fight in the controversial Prison Fight Thailand, where inmates can reduce their sentences and even earn their freedom by winning a series of Muay Thai fights against foreign fighters. The event took place in the maximum security Klong Pai Central Prison, in Nakhon Ratchasima, two hours north of Bangkok. Sanctioned by the Thai Department of Corrections, the event is portrayed as a way for inmates to battle their way to an early release. When it came to fighting against convicts, Leduc said to the Bangkok Post that he wouldn't feel bad if he won and his rival's sentence wasn't reduced. "He deserves to get my 100%, If he wins, then he earns it," Leduc said.

Leduc explained to Argentinian News Infobae, the mentality of the inmates at the Prison Fight Thailand events, saying, "They do not fight for money, they fight for their freedom," adding, "I only fight for honor and glory."

In 2017, Leduc's prison fight was featured in the Showtime documentary Prison fighters: 5 Rounds To Freedom. The film is narrated by Sons of Anarchy star Ron Perlman and aims at examining a controversial practice in Thailand's criminal justice system.

2016

Myanmar Lethwei World Championship

On August 21, 2016, Leduc was invited to make his Lethwei debut at the 1st Myanmar Lethwei World Championship in Myanmar. He was set to fight in Burmese bareknuckle boxing rules, known as Lethwei, against the undefeated (34-0), 75 kg champion Too Too. Leduc took the country by storm by completely dominating the fight. The fight ended in a draw according to traditional Lethwei rules, but with his performance, Leduc won the heart of the Myanmar people.

Golden Belt Championship

After his dominant performance over Too Too, Leduc was challenged by Myanmar star Tun Tun Min, at the time, the openweight Lethwei world champion. Their first bout was an explosive draw.

On December 11, 2016, their very anticipated rematch took place at the Air KBZ Aung Lan Golden Belt Championship in Yangon, Myanmar. The two previously fought in October to a draw, but the rematch was sweetened by an added bonus: ownership of the Lethwei Golden Belt. Leduc opened the fight offensively, landing his signature fake roundhouse kick to sidekick and a counter elbow on Tun Tun Min's face soon after the opening bell. Following these attacks, the spectators witnessed an exceptional show of respect by Tun Tun Min, his usual bull rushing style was replaced by a noticeable slower pace. The round continued with aggressive attacks from both sides. Leduc was continually striking the knee of his opponent with his front kick, resulting in the weakening of his leg, Leduc executed multiple takedowns, with one injuring Tun Tun Min's right leg and forced his team to call his time-out. The second round continued with a visibly shaken Tun Tun Min. After a short exchange in the clinch followed by a final takedown, Tun Tun Min was not able to continue and forfeit. Leduc received the Golden Belt, becoming the first non-Burmese fighter to hold the Lethwei openweight world title.

The journey to the world title was captured by the Canadian television Canal D as part of the French documentary La Fosse Aux Tigres, which aired in November 2017. The documentary follows Leduc training and traveling to Yangon to win the Lethwei world title. The movie was filmed in Canada, Thailand and Myanmar.

2017

Lethwei in Japan

Lethwei in Japan 2 LEGACY

Leduc sweeping Phoe Kay at Lethwei in Japan 2 - LEGACY

On February 16, 2017, Leduc participated in the second event organized by the International Lethwei Federation Japan at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo Dome City, Japan.

Leduc defended his title for the first time against veteran Lethwei fighter Phoe Kay. In the first round, Leduc performed a vicious spinning elbow knockout, forcing Phoe Kay's corner to call the permitted time out. They revived him and the fight continued, but Phoe Kay looked hurt. In the second round, after several knockdowns, Leduc ended the match by KO, winning his first title defense.

The Japanese people loved the brutality and aggression of Lethwei, and more events were announced to be held in Tokyo.

Lethwei in Japan 3 GRIT

On April 18, 2017, for his second title defense, Leduc faced Turkish Australian fighter Adem Yilmaz in Tokyo, Japan in traditional Lethwei rules.

This match was the first Lethwei world title fight headlining two non-Burmese in the sport's history. For the occasion, the Ambassador of Myanmar to Japan was present at the event held in the Korakuen Hall.

In the first round, Leduc came out dominant over Yilmaz, scoring two knockdowns and landing a strong headbutt in the clinch. In the second round, Leduc dislocated his right index finger in the clinch. The cornerman did not replace his bones and Leduc was not able to use his right hand the rest of the fight. Leduc managed to land elbows and many headbutts on Yilmaz before the final bell.

After five rounds, the fight was declared a draw according to Lethwei rules, with Leduc earning the up draw for drawing blood and executing all four knockdowns of the match. The Japanese crowd and the near 13 millions viewers watching, were made aware of Leduc's injury, which made the fight exciting and earned him the respect of the fans.

Lethwei in Japan 4 FRONTIER

For his third straight title defense, Leduc was set to face American Veteran Cyrus Washington, on June 16 in Tokyo, Japan. I respect Cyrus a lot, he is a crafty veteran, he has fought some of the best fighters of the sport, but he has never fought anyone like me. I am not like the others, he wants a taste of the crown but I’m the King of Lethwei. Leduc told in an interview.

The American challenger Cyrus Washington announced him pulling out of the fight citing a hand injury he sustained during training. Following this news, Leduc's opponent changed to Thailand's very own Nilmungkorn Sudsakorn, to fight in full traditional Lethwei rules in Tokyo, Japan. Nilmungkron and Leduc exchanged words at the pre-fight press conference, where Nilmungkorn stated that he will win the first Japanese Lethwei Belt. The matchup was billed as Lethwei vs. Muaythai. Leduc was quoted saying "It’s lethwei versus Muaythai. I will finish Nilmungkorn off very quickly and show the world that lethwei is the most devastating form of striking".

In front of a sold out Tokyo Dome City Hall, the 25-year old made a noticeable entrance dressed as the grim reaper. Leduc kept his promise and dismantled his opponent, winning by knockout at 2m:23sec of the second round. In the first round, Leduc landed a head butt on Nilmungkorn which disoriented him. This was shorty followed by his signature right kick to right punch move, hitting Nilmungkorn on the jaw forcing him to use his time-out. In the second round, Leduc proved too much for the veteran Thai fighter, ending the match with a brutal knee to the face.

Myanmar Lethwei World Championship

During Leduc's rise in Lethwei, fans often entertained the idea of a match with Cyrus Washington and pushed for a fight between the two. Having been the only other fighter to score a win over Tun Tun Min, Leduc eventually agreed to a clash with the crafty Lethwei veteran in order to solidify his legacy.

On August 20, 2017, inside the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, Leduc defended his openweight Lethwei world title against American fighter Cyrus Washington, making this his fourth title defence.

With more than 100 fights on his record, Washington was the more experienced fighter of the two with Leduc having only 22 fights. Although the fight was declared a draw under Lethwei rules, Leduc clearly dominated by applying pressure, drawing blood, and backing his opponent down. This was Leduc's fourth title defense in eight months. The second annual Myanmar Lethwei World Championship was broadcast live on Myanmar's premier sports channel Sky Net.

Golden belt championship

Historically, the Air KBZ Aung Lan Golden Belt Championship was a kryptonite event for Lethwei champions, Leduc having won the title by defeating Tun Tun Min, who had won it from Saw Nga Man on the same stage. On 10 December, exactly one year after becoming champion, he returned to face former WKN heavyweight world champion, Frenchman Corentin Jallon. "This time I keep the belt. Fighting him is gonna be like a crocodile bringing a gazelle in the water." Leduc said.

Inside the Thein Phyu stadium in Yangon, Leduc executed his ceremonial fight dance Lethwei yay, announcing the start of the match. Just before the first exchange, Leduc challenged Jallon with the Lekkha moun. The Frenchman automatically replied with a fury of punches, which Leduc countered with an accurate elbow counterattack. In the third round, Leduc executed a diving headbutt which landed directly Jallon's right eye, drawing blood. In the fourth round, Leduc had Jallon bent over the ropes from trying to avoid a head butt. While he had Jallon's back, Leduc did a provocative humping movement. The Myanmar crowd reacted strongly to the scene, clapping and cheering.

Leduc punished Jallon for the duration of the fight, opening deep cuts, and showcasing his signature headbutts in the clinch. The fight was declared a draw according to Lethwei rules and Leduc retained his openweight Lethwei World Champion title. This fight marked his fifth consecutive title defence of 2017.

2018

Myanmar Lethwei World Championship

On 19 August 2018, at the occasion of the 3rd MLWC and 8 months after his last fight, Leduc returned to face former Rajadamnern Stadium Champion and multiple time world title holder Diesellek Seepongsert Sanong inside the Thein Pyu Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. The matchup was once again mediatized as Lethwei vs Muaythai. With more than 200 fights to his record, Diesellek was the more experienced fighter of the two, with Leduc having only 24 fights. For this fight and for the first time in his career, Leduc flew his longtime trainer Sifu Patrick Marcil to Myanmar. Prior to the bout, Leduc said in an interview that he respected Diesellek's left kick, having knocked out current Lumpini Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium champion Youssef Boughammen in brutal manner at Lumpini Stadium in 2012.

The fight started with some exchanges in the clinch, with Diesellek trying the first headbutt of the fight which missed and Leduc landing a left uppercut. Leduc continued with a fake right knee, fake left knee, followed by a right elbow, knocking out his opponent. Diesellek's corner called for the allowed injury time-out and woke him up. The fight resumed with a surprisingly energetic Diesellek, landing a left kick to Leduc's face. Shortly after, Leduc threw a fake kick to punch, closing the distance, followed by a knee the jaw knocking out Diesellek. Leduc won by KO at 2:23 of the first round, making this his sixth title defence. Leduc raised the Myanmar flag in the ring and helped diesellek get back to his corner before being awarded the Myanmar Lethwei World Championship Golden Belt.

Golden Belt Championship

On December 16, 2018, the very anticipated third rematch between Tun Tun Min took place at the Air KBZ Aung Lan Golden Belt Championship in Yangon. The third fight saw Leduc fighting out of the red corner, the first time a foreigner has been able to do so as it is customary to have challenges and non-Burmese come out of the opposite corner. A fully recovered Tun Tun Min once again had tremendous difficulty with the reach and distance control of Dave Leduc. In the first round, Dave was able to force two counts on him, one of them being the precious timeout. Visibly frustrated at not being able to land on Dave as much as he would like, it even led him to attempt a flying roundhouse kick and other acrobatic feats in an attempt to slow down his rival. The latter rounds saw both boxers vying for a finish but end without a knockout at the final bell. Dave retained his title in a fight that was much less in the hands of Tun Tun Min than their first fight was.

Spotlight on Lethwei

After winning the world title, Leduc dedicated his career solely to Lethwei and has been at the forefront of the sport's rise in international popularity. Leduc expressed his hopes that Lethwei fighters will remain true to the traditions of the martial art as it grows in popularity. In 2017, Leduc helped the opening of gyms throughout the country and promoting Lethwei outside of Myanmar.

In 2017, Nieky Holzken and Leduc have been seen training Lethwei together in Phuket, Thailand. After losing a split-decision to Cedric Doumbe at Glory 42: Paris, Holzken vowed to never leave his fate in the hands of judges again.

On 8 October 2017, Myint Htwe, Minister of Health and Sports of Myanmar, awarded Leduc with a certificate of honor in recognition for his efforts as a proponent of Myanmar's national sport internationally, playing an important role in the expansion of Lethwei.

Nomad Lethwei

As explained in South China Morning Post, after carving his way to the top of Lethwei, Leduc founded Nomad Lethwei management and promotions. The first international team of fighters from Brazil and Costa Rica brought by Nomad Lethwei to Myanmar, was at the occasion of the Myanmar Lethwei World Championship in 2017.

Feud with WLC

In 2017, Leduc expressed his disagreement on WLC's modified ruleset via an open letter on social media, calling on it to resist implementing changes and keeping the traditions of the sport alive, adding that he will only fight in traditional Lethwei rules. The WLC does not use traditional Lethwei rules, it uses a modified ruleset with a scoring system. Unlike traditional lethwei events, judges will determine a winner if the fight ends without a knockout. The promotion also removed the injury time-outs.

Offers to compete in mixed martial arts

After claiming the Myanmar Lethwei World Championship openweight belt in 2018, Leduc has received offers from ONE Championship and other mixed martial arts organizations in Asia. However, he declined the offers, stating "I need to stay focused on my thing. I like fighting with no gloves and with headbutts: that’s my passion.”

2019

Joining WLC

On March 10, 2019, Leduc announced that he had signed with the World Lethwei Championship, despite a long-running feud with the promotion. Leduc explained his position to The Body Lock, detailing that "many people, including me, were misinformed about who was behind the scoring system. I was misinformed thinking WLC were the ones who invented it."

“I also found that former Openweight Lethwei Champion Lone Chaw had won his title from Shwe War Tun by decision in 2004. Which was kind of a shocking find for me, because I fought in KO only system to win my Openweight Golden Belt. After learning this, and the fact that I always respected the quality of shows the WLC was putting, there was no reasons anymore for me to be against WLC’s efforts in promoting Lethwei,” Leduc stated.

Leduc has an unorthodox and aggressive striking style. He his known for accurate elbow and to have perfected the art of the headbutt. Leduc is known to taunt and provoke his opponents during the fight and is often referred as the King of Lethwei.

Dave Leduc and Irina Tee's wedding in Myanmar

In 2016, Leduc met Moldovan Canadian writer and model Irina Terehova, when she made a trip to Thailand. The two had never met before, but after writing a story on Dave, Irina decided to leave Canada and meet him in Phuket. The trip was supposed to last two weeks, but Irina decided to stay and live with Dave.

Wedding

On October 12, 2016, he got engaged to Terehova on the Shwesandaw Pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar.

On December 13, 2016, the two got married on Leduc's birthday, in a traditional Burmese wedding ceremony in Yangon. The ceremony was nationally televised on MRTV with an approximate of 30 million viewers, only two days after his world championship title fight, catapulting them to celebrity status in Myanmar.

According to Burmese magazine The Yangon Times, the couple is a national emblem in Myanmar. Leduc and his wife currently reside in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Outside Lethwei

Leduc's relationship and marriage to Irina, who has been famous in her own right as a writer for MTL Blog, have contributed to his celebrity beyond Lethwei. In 2017, Leduc and his wife started getting involved with children at NLD AIDS center in Yangon, who are infected with HIV/AIDS virus, bringing them chocolate and treats, as well as giving undisclosed donations. Leduc adopted the Burmese lifestyle, and is often seen wearing a Longyi. This helped the Myanmar people welcome the idea of having a foreigner as the champion of their national sport.

• Lethwei Golden Belt - Openweight Lethwei World Champion
  • Seven successful title defenses
• Air KBZ Aung Lan Golden Belt Champion
  • Two successful title defenses
• MLWC Openweight Lethwei World Champion
• ILFJ Openweight Lethwei World Champion

Bruce Lee → James DeMile → Jaques Patenaude → Patrick Marcil→ Dave Leduc